Question and answer

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. We offer Home, Rental, Indoor Air Quality, Lead, Radon, Water and Mold inspections. The most predominent services are Home and Lead inspections. This is due to the fact that most home buyers want a home inspections, and lead inspections are required for rental properties in Maryland. The inspection that we would like to see increased is Radon. This is the simplest of inspections for perform, and can detect the second leading cause of cancer in the US - Radon gas. Just because your neighbor, someone in your neighborhood, or the fact that your home is new, does not mean that you do not have Radon gas in your home - Get Tested!

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. As of January 1, 2008 all Maryland Home Inspectors must be licensed through Maryland Department of Labor & Licensing. Make sure that you inspector is licensed by contacting the licensing department for verification. You should also know the inspectors credentials. Inspectors should be well trained in diverse areas, and maintain continued education to ensure that they are up to date on the most recent industry issues.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Most people only think of a home inspection when they are purchasing a home. However, there are other important times to obtain a home inspection. If you are a seller, you could provide incentive for a buyer by having already compelted a home inspection. If you have been in your home for a year, you should consider getting a home inspection prior to your warranty expiration, or annual maintenance inspections to ensure your home is in top shape. Just because you are purchasing a new home, don't think that you don't need an inspection. Not only will having a phased inspection during construction educate you as the buyer, it will keep your builder honest and ensure that your new home is everything you dreamed it would be.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. If you are searching for a home inspector, you need to first ensure that they are licensed and insured to perform the work you are paying them to do. Secondly, it's important to know that your inspector is working for you, not your realtor. You may be referred to an inspector through a realtor, but they inspector is still working for you, and your beneift, not the realtors. A good inspector wil point out items that could be potential problems regardless of how the realtor may feel about their findings 'hurting' the deal.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. We have over 25 years of experience in the building and construction industry and decided that the industry lacked in providing the consumer valuable information and education. We felt customer awareness should be the focal point of any type of inspection. This approach to our business helped formulate our Mission Statement . Our Mission is to provide comprehensive inspection services, while educating our customers. Our inspections are designed to be comprehensive and educational, not glossed over for the benefit of a quick transaction.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Helping people through a process that can be very intimidating. A home is the largest purchse most people will make in their lifetime. By educating our customers, we feel that they are better equipped to make a sound decision about their home purchase.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. An average inspection can take up to four hours depending on the size of the home. This amount of time is necessary to provide a thorough and accurate inspection. The inspector will examine the exterior and interior of the home, structural and mechanical components, and provide a written report with photos.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. Currently, the trend is towards building more energy efficient and "green" homes. The surge of Energy Audits being provided now are proof that customers want to learn how to cut their electric bill; and the recognition that our environment is in trouble raises awareness on green building. In the future, a standard home inspection may start to include an evaluation of a homes energy efficiency rating and green score in addition to the traditional structural, mechanical and safety review that is performed today.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. $50.00 Visual Lead Inspection / $15.00 Per Wipe.

$125.00 Radon Measurement.

$250.00 Mold Inspection plus analysis.

$250.00 Indoor Air Quality Inspection plus analysis

Package discounts are available.

Homes are like fingerprints - no two are exactly alike, so pricing structures can vary to fit the specific needs of your home.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Becoming a home inspector is not an easy task and should not be entered into lightly. Going into business on your own is a big committment, and the home inspection industry is no different. Customer service is very important, if you cannot service your customers efficiently, you're out of business. Businesses that fail, usually fail in the first year due to not being prepared. Make sure that you are aware of your states licensing and insurance requirements, as well as the training and continuing education expectations along with the associated fees. You should also have some knowledge of the contstruction and/or building trades. A good place to start is with your state licensing departement, and local and national home inspection organizations such as MAHI (www.mdahi.org) and NACHI (www.nachi.org)